Ives out of Japan squad with ligament injury

Japan's Justin Ives was replaced on Friday by Yuji Kitagawa as the New Zealand-born second row struggles to recover from an injury in his left knee.

Ives hurt his anterior cruciate ligament during Japan's 31-24 defeat by Italy on 14 August and had been ruled out for the Brave Blossoms' first Rugby World Cup 2011 game against France on Saturday.

Coach John Kirwan had said after the captain's run there was a possibility Ives would have to return to Japan for extensive treatment.

“He may need to go back. It's very disappointing,” Kirwan said

The 25-year-old Kitagawa, who plays for the Japanese Top League club Panasonic Wild Knights with the nickname 'Jumbo', could join the team as early as Sunday.